GROCERY WORKERS PUT DEADLINE ON

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONTRACT TALKS

8 June, 2007                                                                                                               

Today, negotiators for the Southern California Grocery Workers unions gave Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons stores a deadline of noon, Thursday, June 21^st for completion of a new contract. 

Three months past the expiration of the original contract, and after six months of bargaining, union leaders and members have had enough.

“Six months is more than enough time to get a deal done,” said Mario Frias, a Ralphs employee.  “If we can get contracts on time with Stater Bros and Gelsons Markets, there is absolutely no reason Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons can’t negotiate a fair and timely contract too.”

Stater Bros and Gelsons markets both negotiated and signed contracts well ahead of the March 5^th, 2007 expiration.  Those contracts offered fair wage increases, eliminated the controversial two-tier wage system and pledged considerable increases to employee’s health care plans.

Union representatives are concerned that unless a deadline is set negotiations could drag on indefinitely.  The union plans on holding member meetings starting on Sunday, June 24^th to either vote on a completed contract or, if there is no acceptable agreement to recommend to members, ask for a strike authorization. 

While there is some progress in negotiations, grocery workers and the employers are still far from agreement on funding for employee health care, wages and other key issues. 

“If the employers get serious about negotiating a real deal, we should be able to finish this contract by the 21^st,” said Frias.